I would be remiss in my self-proclaimed blogger responsibilities if I did not address what is currently happening in the world of sports today as it applies to NFL Pro football player, Tim Tebow…What is this Tim Tebow phenomenon that has the news media so infatuated? Why is it that not only the NFL, but our whole country, so highly opinionated about this young man? Now unless you have been out of the country for the last 15 months, then you know who I am referring to but Tim Tebow is taking the country by storm using a not so proven method called “I’m a Christian” as his public mantra. Yes…that is correct, Tim Tebow is a Christian man and he is not afraid, nor ashamed that the whole world knows that fact and that statement is the impetus for this blog post.
Over the last several weeks, I have watched his story unfold and I’ve been amazed at how the media is trying to grasp the issue of God and his faith in his life. As a Christian myself, they appear to be more like “fish out of water” when trying to describe how his relationship with God affects him and his play on the football field. I have heard him interviewed and I like his perspective because he says “God isn’t deciding who wins football games” and I agree with him. God doesn’t care about the game, he cares about the players and Tebow perspective, in my opinion, is right on. But to listen to a national media person try to interpret Tebow’s comments into a sports story, appears awkward at best. Moreover, to see the media sensationalize his story into one that pokes fun at him because he kneels in prayer on the sideline, is becoming all to commonplace with Tim Tebow.
Simply put, they do not understand, nor do they want to, the fact that a man of his skill set in football is sold out to his God. He has a personal relationship with his creator and he is unashamed to portray that part of himself to the world. On the other hand, the media just looks “out of place” or as I said before, “awkward” trying to describe who he is and I find that amusing. Contrary though, I watched Bob Costas, a very famous and award-winning journalist of many years on television, do an editorial report on Tebow. He reported the day’s game involving Tebow in the most accurate way I have heard thus far. He ended by saying:
Still, there is no doubt that Tebow and his team benefit from his honest belief. How? Frank Bruni put it well in today’s New York Times. Whatever Tebow may lack in classic NFL quarterbacking traits, he possesses other qualities in abundance. And in his case, those qualities — confidence, equanimity, optimism — and a presence that can’t be explained, but can certainly be felt. The whole Tebow persona derives from how he sees the world, and his place in it. Those qualities, no matter how one comes by them, are an asset, perhaps especially in sports.
“Other qualities in abundance”…I like that.
To make his story even more sensational, Tim Tebow is winning NFL games consistently with his unorthodox style of quarterback play that the critics all complained about when he was drafted out of Florida. These hard-core critics, including Former Superbowl MVP John Elway and current President of Denver Broncos, say his style will never win consistently, yet currently at the time of this writing, Tebow is on a six game winning streak and has the Broncos leading their division. But yet even Elway might become a believer too. He was recently on a local Denver radio station where he said:
“I think when you look at it I guess I just believe everyone believes that something good is going to happen. Tim’s been the guy that has led that thinking and he’s just such a strong believer. He’s got everyone else believing that if you stay strong, stay positive, that something good is going to happen. It’s the power of the mind and the power of positive thinking. I think when those guys are thinking that way and it’s been led by Timmy with that positive attitude that all boats have been rising with that. “I think he has rallied everyone around him which as you said is part of the leadership qualities that he and his ability as a football player but also as a man to really raise this whole organization and this whole football team to the point where it’s got such great belief that everybody is playing above their ability. I think that’s the sure sign of a great leader.”
The bottom line for statisticians, is that although keeping track of third down conversions is important and every other stat known to mankind, there really is only one stat that matters and that’s the score at the end of the game…
Bottom line to me is this…
Tim Tebow is an example for all of us, men and women, as to how to conduct ourselves in the eye of the public. To me, Tim Tebow is a great role model. He does himself and his family proud every time he speaks because he recognizes that his success on the football field is NOT about him, it is about giving glory to our God and that is his priority. His position on issues makes the media angry and frustrated for not giving them what they want, a quote that will stir up some controversy…He deflects their attempts to guide him down a path where they can get him to criticize another player or a coach. He is just a thankful guy…and I, for one, appreciate his public stance on God and wish him continued success both in his football career and life…
Until next time guys…
Iron Sharpens Iron, Men Strengthen Men 